When naming a dog do you think it is better to have only one syllable?

When a Newfoundlander dog is a puppy, he or she is a cute, sweet, an adorable bundle of fun that is bursting with energy. When you go to name your puppy please keep in mind that this cute little ball of fur is going to grow, and grow, and grow some more. After all this dog is a giant breed.

Some dog professionals say that when naming a dog you should choose a name with one syllable so that the dog will understand short commands easier. Personally I don't think this is is true, but then again I'm not the expert.

When you do come up with a name that you think you may like say it out loud a few times to make sure it sounds good.

Killer?

Imagine this scenario: It's wintertime and you’re out in the woods walking your dog. He or she is off leash as no one seems to be around. Killer sees a squirrel and goes chasing after it. You yell “Killer come.” Someone that you didn’t know, was also walking through the woods and only hears "Killer". I’m sure you get my drift, and hopefully it doesn’t scare the pants off the other person or alert perhaps a hunter with a big rifle.

Things to consider before choosing a name for your Newfoundland Dog

Dog Size

If you have a male, he will more than likely weigh somewhere between 130 – 150 pounds (60–70 kg) and upwards. Females are slightly lighter at 100 – 120 pounds (45–55 kg). These are only average weights. There are newfs that have been known to weigh as much as 220. I believe the largest recorded to date one is 260 pounds or 120 Kg. That’s a lot of dog.

Naming your dog Tiny, or Tinkerbell may not be the best choice unless of course you're trying to be funny. Killer may be a bad choice as well due to the fact that from a distance these dogs do look like bears.

Dogs Temperament

Newfoundlanders are known as the gentle giant. They are wonderful with children and are loyal to all family members. Even though they are a laid back breed and can appear lazy, this has nothing to do with their intelligence, as they are a very smart dog.

Activities That The Newfoundland Dog Enjoys

Newfs love to swim and are fantastic swimmers. You will find them on fishing boats, as water rescue dogs and carting. It is not uncommon to see these dogs running in short bursts and frolicking in the snow. They work hard, play hard, and sleep hard.

I have many pet names that I call my two newfs and “Sleepy” is one of them.

We had 2 black newfie's the boy was Pervy but registered as Jaylnn's perfect small town boy.

The girl was Jaylnn's snowangel who was known as Angel . There were times i have to admit where we had embarrassing moments when we were in public when people asked about Pervy or perv as a call name lol

Just Ask Susan 22 months ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Hi Joe, Always nice to meet Newf lovers. Love how you named Mini and soon to be Cooper.

Joe 22 months ago

My 8 year old baby girl is Mini and our soon to be baby boy will be Cooper. Since Mini is AKC registered, we decided on "Mini the Moocher" from Cab Calloway's tune. Cooper is the second half of the double meaning for Mini. My wife drives a ... Mini Cooper!

Just Ask Susan 2 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Clare, Thankyou so much for adding your newfs names to the list. I'm sure it will be helpful. Have a great day!

Clare 2 years ago

We have to date had 4 Newfoundlands and the 5th a Landseer girl due to arrive next week. So far we have had a Tom (Black) Tessa ( Black) Samson (Landseer) Lincoln (Grey) and the new girl at the moment I am tossing between Lizzy and Bella. For a boy I also Love the name Thor it really suits their size. Maybe these suggestions are helpful to someone struggling with the naming process.

Just Ask Susan 2 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

De, How exciting to be getting a new pup. I'm sure Opus will love having a new pup around. I remember the day we brought our male newf named Bruce home, Maggie our female new was so excited to have a little buddy to push around. They've been great friends ever since. I really like the names you have picked out, especially Truman and Daisy. Wishing you all the best with your new pup.

De 2 years ago

We are getting a Landseer pup in the next few weeks. Not sure yet male or female. Have usu had male dogs for some reason. We have a 5 yr old Great Pyrenees named Opus - bc an opus is a great completed work. And he IS a piece of work- tall 32" at shoulders, but only 115- tho looks heavier bc if the fluffiness. Love that dog- very gentle, loving, and prone to being a couch potato- but independent. Hoping the Newf will want to hang closer to us a little more. We Love BIG fluffy dogs- just deal w the fur on everything we own. Names we like- Oscar, Olaf, George, Linus, Walter, Newton, Rolly, Oliver, Truman....Lena, Gladys, Buttons, Buttercup, Lilly, Daisy, - I'm having trouble w girl names I like...maybe that is why we've always gotten boy dogs???

Just Ask Susan 3 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Illinois, I think Luther is a great name for a Newf. Enjoy your dog when you get him.

Illinois 3 years ago

When I get one I'm naming it Luther. I recently got caught up on the British show by the same name and the main character is an imposing black guy played by Idris Elba. I thought it was fitting.

Just Ask Susan 3 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Laura, What a great name! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Laura White 3 years ago

We named outs Walter BowWow Matthau (Wally) because he had that little tuft of hair on his forehead when he was a pup and looked like the movie star! Everybody remembers his name!

Just Ask Susan 3 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

collegedad, I once had a very tiny cat named Rambo. I was told he was a Maine Coon when I got him as a kitten, and assumed he would be huge. Joke was on me :)

Newfoundland dogs are awesome! Let me know if you ever get one.

collegedad 3 years ago from The Upper Peninsula

Tinkerbell............I was once given a 16' Burmese Python named Tinkerbell! LOL

I've always been a big dog fan and have often considered getting a Newfoundland. Thanks for the great name choices.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

SpeakUp, Nice to see you here. If I named my dog with a long name I'm sure I'd end up shortening it. Thanks for reading and for your comments.

SpeakUpStandOut 4 years ago from Southern California

I agree with you in regard short names. My mom named her new dog "LuLu" because she thinks the dog looks like a monkey and a woman named Linda Lou used to do a dance where she'd act like a monkey. I wanted to name her Lily, but I lost. I think it's fun to hear the reasons behind why someone picks a particular name for their dog. :)

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Hi moonlake, When I was growing up we had a German Shepherd, and her name was Heidi. Doc is certainly a different name for a dog.

moonlake 4 years ago from America

Ours was Heidi. We have a rescue dog right now and his name was Doc. It took me forever to get use to that name. I really did not like it and still don't but it was what he knew. Enjoyed your hub.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Hi Eddy, I'd be lost without my two. Thanks for reading and for your comments.

Eiddwen 4 years ago from Wales

Oh how I loved this hub. for the first time ever I do not have the company of a dog and I am missing out.

However it doesn't stop me from reading great hubs like this one.

Eddy.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

GoodLady, I like all your name choices.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Relationshipc, My male newf used to walk around with our cat in his mouth for fun. Never hurt him but sure did get him wet.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Sharyn, I was lying awake this morning in bed thinking of names. I should probably add them.

GoodLady 4 years ago from Rome, Italy

What a love! Nice you asked us what we like too. There's some lovely names here. I like Duchess and Hoss of yours and PunKINNNNN from Sharyn. I love Lello (for a male)! Or Leyla (for female). So LE LL OH when you yell or LEY LAAAAAAAAAAA.

Relationshipc 4 years ago from Alberta, Canada

So cute. My best friend has a Newfoundland, and she also lives in Newfoundland! As you said, her boy is such a gentle giant. Even the kittens can play with him without being harmed.

They named him Dartanias and call him Dart for short. I don't think they put too much thought into the breed when they named him but just picked a name that came to their head.

Sharyn's Slant 4 years ago from Northeast Ohio USA

Aw, I want one and I think I would name it Bubba, ha. Your dogs are beautiful. It seems all my animals have two syllables in their names. To me, I like that better cuz let's say I'm yelling at Peanut (one of my cats), I would put the emphasis on the PeaNUTTTTTTTTTTTTT. or PunKINNNNNNNNN. Enjoyed your hub SZ!

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Could always change his name for those dog park days :)

Christy Zutautas 4 years ago

Ha ha, that would be perfect for the dog park! LoL

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Christy, Can you imagine if you'd called Scooby Killer :)

Christy Zutautas 4 years ago

Doesn't get any better than Bruce, Maggie and Scooby! I like how you pointed out that a name like "Killer" isn't a good idea...I know a few people who gave their dogs "tough guy" names and it usually just scares people! :)

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Rosemay, Whiskey is the perfect name for an Irish Wolfhound but I can see why you'd hate calling him :) Nita is a great name too.

Thank you and I've always loved the picture of your Pyrenees.

Rosemay50 4 years ago from Hawkes Bay - NewZealand

Neat hub, your pups are gorgeous.

I believe you can use more than one syllable. Love the name choices in your list. Wouldn't use 'Gumbo' though it is a type of stew over here haha.

My son had a Rhodesian Ridgeback which was named Sebastian and it suited him well. As a child we had an Irish wolfhound cross named 'Whisky' I used to hate calling him, especially if the neighbours were about. Lol

The dog in my profile pic, a Pyrenees mountain dog was called Nita.

Voting up and more

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Julie, I wish I had more room for the two I have :)

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Thanks Frank. Kwox .... now there's an interesting name. What's the meaning of that one?

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Thanks drbj, Those are great names and I think I'll add them to the list if that's okay with you.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Hi Kelley, So glad that this list has come in handy for you. Are you planning on getting a puppy that is going to be a large dog?

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Kevin, Nice to see you and thanks for stopping by.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Hi midget, Thank you. My two do take up quite a bit of room. They sleep on the floor or my bedroom, and at night when I need to get up I'm always worried about tripping over one of them. They always seem to wake up and move when they hear me though.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Thanks so much Judi.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Tammy, I can see that you are selective from those three names which I love. Have to ask how did the two females get along? I had once thought of bringing another female into the house but the one I have now is so dominant over my male that I thought it would be a bad idea.

Julie DeNeen 4 years ago from Clinton CT

I wish I had room for Newfie! Great work though, I am retarded when it comes to naming animals. I have to say, the idea of naming a newfoundland tinkerbell is hilarious!

Frank Atanacio 4 years ago from Shelton

A very good hub Susan.. I have German Shep.. Call him Kwox.. but I wanted to name him Frank Jr. lol

drbj 4 years ago from south Florida

Clever hub, Susan, you have provided a public service for folks who are big-dog-naming-challenged. I like the names, Giant, Odin, Zeus and Thor myself. :)

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

AEvans, The fur on the Newfoundland dog actually works as an insulator in the winter and supposedly helps to keep them cool in the summer. Not sure if that's really the case. Many Newfs will dig holes in the yard to lay in during the summer to keep cool.

When I was little my first dog was a black Cocker. I've seen pictures of yours and they are gorgeous. Having five must be a challenge when walking them :)

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Josh, Thanks, glad you like it.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

RH, Sometimes I hear people calling their dog and think did they really say that. Some funny and strange names out there :) Wiener seems to be quite a popular name for dachshunds and does sound funny when you hear it being called.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Thomas, I really like the name Truman :) At the dog park that we go to there's a Great Pyrenees that we sometimes see. She's beautiful and I think Truman might like her too if you're ever up this way. Hey I just thought of a new career line. Dog Matcher. Is that even a word?

Thanks and I'll just pet them on the head for you ..... don't want to be picking fur outta my mouth all day.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Don, If I adopted a dog from the Humane Society/Shelter or got one from a Dog Rescue I too would of course keep the name that the dog already had. Thanks for your comments.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Susan, For some reason my entire reply to you didn't work so I'll try again. .

Maggie is neither a big dog or small dog name:) You're safe. I named my female MAGZ after my sons Matthew, Allan, Garth, Zutautas. But I do call her Maggie Magz or Mugs.

I don't think dogs really look at themselves as being big dogs or small dogs. I wish we humans could do the same.

Thanks so much!

kelleyward 4 years ago

Hi Susan! You're dogs are adorable. I love the list of names you provided here. We are in the process of looking for a puppy so this will come in handy. Voted up and useful. Kelley

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Susan, Wow what huge comment! Newfoundlander dogs can be black, brown, grey and then there's the Landseer which is black and white.

My husband had a newf when he was growing up and that dog would guard his baby sister when she'd be outside in her stroller. The dog wouldn't let anyone near the stroller. They're really protective.

KevinMillican 4 years ago from Stilwell, OK

Grrr....I wish I was allowed to have pets where I live :(

midget38 4 years ago from Singapore

Beautiful dogs...and I love dogs. Pity that my apartment can't take a big breed...but these are lovely!!! Thanks for sharing...and choosing a name correctly is so important!

Judi Bee 4 years ago from UK

Beautiful dogs - love the photo in the snow. We have a couple that live nearby, they are very gorgeous.

tammyswallow 4 years ago from North Carolina

This is adorable! I have always been selective with my pets names. Many years ago I had a husky and a malamute, both females. I named them Raven and Niva. I had an American Eskimo named Yuki which is falling snow in Japanese. These are great suggestions for a BIG dog! I love the name Porter.

AEvans 4 years ago from SomeWhere Out There

When I was a little girl I always wanted a Newfoundland or a St.Bernard they are beautiful dogs! Being on the West Coast it would be to hot so I chose Cockers which I also adore. What wonderful names for dogs.

Considering the size before naming makes a whole lot of sense, I couldn't imagine our Quincy being called Marmaduke, Goliath or Hoss. lololo!

Wonderful article and points are all well taken. We have 5 Cockers and if we owned Newfoundlands I believe we could only handle two. :)

Thumbs up and shared! :)

josh3418 4 years ago from Pennsylvania

Susan,

Awesome hub! I did not know much about these dogs at all. They are huge! :)

And your list of names was awesome! Thanks Susan!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO

I love the name Truman for a dog! Awww!

Yeah I say you should figure out what name you like then go outside and try shouting it a few times...you know so you know how it's gonna sound to the rest of the world when it gets lost! Lol

I'd hate to run around in the dark yelling "wiener! Wiener come here!" lol. My kids were little when they got Peanut - and so I had to reason this out with them:) lol lol

ThoughtSandwiches 4 years ago from Reno, Nevada

Susan,

Ah...newfies! As you know, I love the big guys! Not that anything will ever happen to Truman and I will have him forever and ever...but...a newfie would be my next choice if I came across one in the pound!

Personally, I think you can name a dog more than one syllable, (I may even name my next dog syllable just to prove it!)

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I was to see Truman on your list...lol!!

Great job and kiss the puppies on their huge-ass heads for me!

Thomas

dahoglund 4 years ago from Wisconsin Rapids

Whatever size dog we have, I prefer going with whatever name the dog already has. However, your point is well taken.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

TT, They're smart dogs. Maybe the rock had his scent on it though too. I can just picture a dog running around a rock pile sniffing each rock LOL

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Bill, I used to work for a breeder and she wanted to give me her Champion Newf. I almost took her up on it but happy now that I didn't. Two are plenty enough for me.

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada Author

Cardisa, Lots of people still name their dog Spot, cat's too. Tiny is a funny name for a big dog :)

sholland10 4 years ago from Southwest Missouri

Susan, your pups are beautiful! I think you are right about considering the size the dog is going to be before naming him or her. Of course, that puppy picture is so adorable, so I guess I can see why a person would name the dog before it grew. That would be a little weird to me - as if the dogs name was a joke. Our dogs are part of the family. Naming them is almost like naming one of our kids, and I wouldn't name my son Tiny. I don't think he would appreciate me now that he is in his 20s. At least he could change his name. A dog is stuck with it though, and you pretty much have to stick with it for commands.

Do Newfoundlanders come in white, too? I swear, your pictures remind me of the best dog we ever had, except he was white and definitely a mixed breed. He fits your description above of loving children. He would go stand between the neighbors cow at the fence and my daughter when she was a toddler. That cow was not going to get past him. And he would even run circles around fireworks going off when my son would start to go near them. It was as if he knew the fireworks were dangerous. Also, he loved to go to the lake with us. He was the best dog. We named him Hobbes. :-)

I don't think it matters if you name your dog with one or two syllables. We used to call Hobbes, Hobbie or Hobbe-Dog, and he always came to us when we would call him.

I love your list of big dog names. Now, I did name our miniature Dachshund, Maggie... Is that a big dog name? If it can go either way, I don't want to tell her. She thinks she is BAD!!

Great hub! Votes and shares!!

TToombs08 4 years ago from Somewhere between Heaven and Hell without a road map.

Susan, this was a fun read! :) My aunt had a Newfy and he was HUGE! His favorite game was to chase rocks. They lived halfway up the side of a mountain above Anchorage, so my brother and I would throw the rock as far down the mountain as we could. Wouldn't you know that he always brought back the correct rock? :)

billybuc 4 years ago from Olympia, WA

Cute hub Susan! Love those dogs but we have far too many others already. Maybe when we move to the country in three years.

Cardisa 4 years ago from Jamaica

How about Spot....lol...that name was so common when I was a child, even non spotted dogs had that name. I don't know much about dogs so I may end up naming a very big dog "Tiny" ...hehe...or mayble "Fluffy".